Research shows need for flexible working arrangmts

Department of Labour research showing that 40
percent of employees want or need more flexible working
arrangements demonstrates the urgent need for legislation to
facilitate this in New Zealand, Green MP Sue Kedgley
says.

Ms Kedgley's Flexible Working (Employment Relations)
Bill has passed its first reading in Parliament and is
currently being considered by a select committee. It will
come before the house again next year following further
research and consultation on flexible working arrangements
by the Department of Labour. It is based on successful
legislation already in place in the United Kingdom.

"I
welcome this research and the ongoing work the Department of
Labour is doing to investigate flexible working
arrangements," Ms Kedgley says.

"It is great to see that
some ground-breaking businesses are already embracing
flexible working arrangements for their staff. These
businesses have clearly recognised the huge benefits of
flexibility in terms of retention and recruitment, reduced
turnover and increased motivation and productivity amongst
staff.

"However, this research demonstrates that a lot of
workplaces are still not switched on to flexible working
arrangements. It's in all of our interests - for our economy
and quality of life - that flexible working arrangements are
as widely available as possible in New Zealand, not just to
the staff of innovative organisations.

"According to this
research, a concerning culture of long working hours has
developed in New Zealand workplaces. These long hours can be
unpaid - 39 percent of employees say that once or twice a
week they work extra hours in their own time to get the job
done. This dangerous trend is taking a serious toll on
employees and their families.

"Flexible working
arrangements are crucial in modern workplaces, and a key
tool in helping to recruit and retain staff. They also have
benefits across the whole of our economy and society, by
improving our quality of life as well as the productivity of
businesses.

"Because of these societal benefits, the
Government needs to take the lead in bringing about this
culture change in our workplaces. I look forward to working
with the Government and the Department of Labour on this
issue to achieve a positive result," Ms Kedgley
says.

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